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Flamingo Experience: Van Tour to Paradise

Quick Details

Meeting Location: Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead, FL

Duration: 7.5 hours

Start Time: 9:45 AM

Age Requirement: Ages 5+ are welcome to join this program. Guest ages 5+ can join in our Institute vehicle as long as the passenger does not require a child seat or booster.

Vehicle Option:

Immerse yourself in the Everglades without the hassle of driving! Our van can comfortably seat up to 14 passengers; and is air-conditioned. The park entrance fee is included for all passengers.

Important Information:

  • The program will start and end at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Passengers will return to them after the last stop of the tour.
  • 14 passengers maximum.
  • Make sure to read all the information below including the drop-down menus to learn more about this trip.
  • Before completing your booking, make sure to read our Cancellation Policy.

Passenger

Price per person. Ages 5+

$ 85

Discover Flamingo

Join our Naturalists in the comfort of our spacious, air-conditioned 14-passenger van. Our program features strategic stops at iconic park locations, ensuring an enriching and comprehensive Everglades experience for all participants.

Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:

  1. Mahogany Hammock:
    • Mahogany Hammock is a tropical hardwood forest in Everglades National Park, featuring a dense canopy of rare, old-growth mahogany trees. Visitors can explore the 0.5-mile boardwalk trail, which winds through lush vegetation and provides opportunities to see a variety of birds and wildlife. This serene and shaded area stands out as a tranquil refuge amid the park’s surrounding wetlands.
  2. West Lake:
    • The West Lake trail is a short looped boardwalk that takes you through the mangrove forest. It’s a great way to experience the mangroves up close, giving you a chance to see the distinct prop roots of the red mangroves and other unique features of these trees. You may even see wildlife such as crocodiles and ospreys.
  3. Flamingo:
    • The Flamingo area is located at the southernmost tip of Everglades National Park. It is one of the most popular and historically significant sections of the park and serves as a gateway to the coastal Everglades, offering a wide variety of activities, facilities, and unique experiences.

At Flamingo; you will have about 3 hours to explore the area. During your time at Flamingo, you can participate in our planned activities guided by Insitute Naturalists and National Park Rangers or you can choose to book separate activities with the park concessionaire, Flamingo Adventures for an additional cost.

Take a Boat Ride!

Flamingo Adventures offers 2 different boat rides; the Backcountry Boat Tour and the Florida Bay Boat Tour. You can do ONE of these 90-minute boat rides. National Park Rangers lead both the boat tours at these times whenever possible.

Book here for Flamingo Adventures Boat Tours:

  • Backcountry Boat Tour at 1:00 PM, this will have you back by 2:30 PM.
  • Florida Bay Boat Tour at 2:00 PM, this will have you back by 3:30 PM.

Kayak and Bike Rental!

Kayaks, canoes, and bikes are available for rent through Flamingo Adventures. Make sure you program your rental for 2 hours. Click here to book a rental.

Enjoy Lunch in Paradise!

We have the option for those who book at least 48 hours prior to their scheduled trip to order a boxed lunch in advance from the Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant. If you do not wish to pre-order or if you book your trip within 48 hours you can still enjoy eating in the restaurant and ordering from their regular menu. If you book a boat tour we recommend you order a boxed lunch or bring your own lunch for a picnic.

Naturalist Visitor Center Walk Through!

Naturalists will give an in-depth tour of the Guy Bradley Visitor Center at 1:00 PM.

Ranger Programs!

Join in with the Rangers as they give special topic programs around 2:30-3:30 PM.

 

Return to Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

We will depart Flamingo at 4:00 PM. Naturalists will transport passengers back to the Ernest Coe Visitor Center, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. This is a round-trip experience, this is not a shuttle for those staying at the Flamingo Lodge or camping. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the Everglades. Book your enlightening journey today!